Where to stay in Venice?

Staying in a hotel is going to be easiest. With only 3 nights, checking into an Airbnb might be more of a hassle than it is worth. Arranging a meeting place with the lessor, not getting in until 4pm, needing to outfit it for breakfast, and not having anyone you can ask for advice. On a first trip, a short stay, opt for a hotel or true B and B with breakfast and a helpful front desk. At least you might be able to drop off your bags early, even if the room isn’t ready yet.

BTW, almost any area will serve you well. Venice is small. Rick Steves’ Venice guidebook covers the sestiere (neighborhoods) well. We like San Polo, away from the Rialto Bridge, and Dorsoduro is a close second for us.

I agree with Laurel. We actually are staying three nights in an air bnb but are not arriving at the airport until 2 pm. It is also our second visit. The biggest disadvantage of air bnb after flight is not being able to check in. A hotel will let you leave your luggage.

We stayed in Cannaregio on our first visit and are staying there again. We found it centrally enough located but quiet.

While I’d usually agree that a hotel in this case might be easiest I’m going to suggest you consider the B&B Corte Campana. It’s a small 3 room B&B with the most delightful and helpful live-in proprietors, Riccardo and Grace. It’s located in a quiet area just behind St. Mark’s Square. Their helpful suggestions made our 4 day stay all the more enjoyable. Probably the best pre- and post-booking communication we’ve had with a host. We would definitely stay there again.

We recently stayed at Hotel Ala, 10 min walk to St. Marks Square and recommend it and would stay there again.

Thank you. We are going to stick with hotel for sure for this part of the trip and take chances on airbnb for the 5 nights in bologna so we can get a washer mid trip. 18 days total so a washer will be necessary mid trip. Thanks again. I'll just look for hotel with a nice view he wants.

Venice is expensive, but the most reasonable lodgings are located near the main train station for Venice.

Another vote for Hotel Ala
We’ve stayed there 3 times and will return this year
It is perfectly located in a quiet campo just steps from giglio vaporetto stop-no bridges or stairs
Super easy to get to/from station or airport
Fantastic bkft and a nice roof terrace for the views

It is now called UNA Hotel Ala
https://www.hotelala.it/en

In 2015 I stayed a couple of nights at the Hotel Continental.
https://www.hotelcontinentalvenice.com/en/

It was average but nice then, but closed during Covid.
It looks like it has now had a massive makeover and is more expensive.
I booked it then, as I was able to get a room opening onto the Grand Canal, and breakfast can be had outside right on a terrace over the Canal.
Worth it if you can afford it!

We were in Venice a couple years ago and I cashed out Marriot points for 3 nts at the Danieli. It’s gorgeous, and it’s located right by St. Mark’s square, but unless you have a load of Marriott points (or are just rich!) it’s probably not an option. Interestingly, most of the other guests appeared to Marriott members using points; I think the beautiful people have moved on to more exclusive places!

After seeing it recommended in Rick's book and by many glowing reviews online, we've booked our next Venice stay at the Al Ponte Antico. The hotel is on the Grand Canal, right by the Rialto Bridge, so I think the view will be fantastic.